Hill honored
BY ALYSSA MEIER
Editor
Fifty-five years ago, amid a nation’s tragedy, Washburn graduate Clint Hill became a symbol of bravery.
This week, his home state recognized him with its highest civilian award.
Hundreds gathered at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center Monday afternoon to witness Governor Doug Burgum present the Rough Rider Award to Hill. Hill, who was born in Larimore and grew up in Washburn, served as a U.S. Secret Service Agent for 17 years, including on the day of John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
When shots rang out in Dallas, Texas on Nov. 22, 1963, Hill leapt onto the trunk of the presidential motorcade, shielding the first lady’s body with his own. Kennedy would die that day from his injuries, but Hill is credited with saving the life of the first lady.
“Who was the individual who was etched into our memories that day, who leapt so selflessly onto the back of the limousine to shield the president and first lady?” Burgum asked a crowd of over 200 people Monday. “It was Clint Hill.”
Hill continued to serve on the Secret Service for 12 more years, working under Presidents Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He retired in 1975.
